Insights from ‘How to Take Smart Notes’ by Sönke Ahrens

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the Zettelkasten note-taking system?

Answer 1

To transform learned information into a usable form by organizing and connecting ideas, enabling effortless drafting of projects like books or papers.

Question 2

Who invented the Zettelkasten system?

Answer 2

Niklas Luhmann, a German sociologist.

Question 3

True or False: Niklas Luhmann wrote over 500 academic papers using the Zettelkasten system.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

How many notes did Luhmann average per day using the Zettelkasten system?

Answer 4

Six notes per day.

Question 5

What is the first stage in filtering notes in the Zettelkasten system?

Answer 5

Capturing literature and fleeting notes from various sources like books, articles, or spontaneous ideas.

Question 6

Describe the two-question filter used in the Zettelkasten system.

Answer 6

1. Does the note excite you as it did initially? 2. Does it add value to existing permanent notes?

Question 7

Fill in the blank: In the Zettelkasten system, only notes that pass the excitement and ______ tests are converted into permanent notes.

Answer 7

value

Question 8

Why should you rewrite notes by hand on index cards in the Zettelkasten system?

Answer 8

It forces clarity, connects ideas, and simplifies expression, aiding creativity and saving time during drafting.

Question 9

Which approach does the Zettelkasten system use to gather ideas? Top-down or Bottom-up?

Answer 9

Bottom-up, allowing ideas to emerge organically as connections form.

Question 10

Why is a structured outline early in research discouraged in the Zettelkasten method?

Answer 10

It limits exploration of ideas outside of the initial structure.

Question 11

What three elements should every permanent note contain in the Zettelkasten system?

Answer 11

1. Location code, 2. Keywords, 3. Links to other notes.

Question 12

How does the location code work in Zettelkasten?

Answer 12

It prefixes each note with a unique identifier for easy sorting and reference, creating an expandable hierarchical structure.

Question 13

Explain the purpose of keywords in the Zettelkasten system.

Answer 13

Keywords act like hashtags to group related notes and help locate relevant notes quickly.

Question 14

How should new keywords be managed in Zettelkasten?

Answer 14

Add them to a ‘Master Index’ for quick reference and use during drafting.

Question 15

What is the function of linking notes in Zettelkasten?

Answer 15

Links connect related ideas across notes, expanding knowledge and sparking new insights.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: To draft effectively with Zettelkasten, review notes ______ and write sequentially.

Answer 16

sequentially

Question 17

True or False: The Zettelkasten system allows multiple locations for one note by linking to related notes.

Answer 17

True

Question 18

How can keywords in Zettelkasten be compared to social media features?

Answer 18

They are like hashtags that group similar notes for easy retrieval.

Question 19

Why is handwriting notes on index cards encouraged in Zettelkasten?

Answer 19

It encourages slower, more thoughtful note-taking, resulting in clearer, more concise ideas.

Question 20

When is it recommended to review fleeting and literature notes in Zettelkasten?

Answer 20

Once a day, ideally at the same time each day.